Approaching God in challenging times

In this six-day series, we look at Nehemiah. This Bible story happened hundreds of years before Jesus was born. It occurs at a very difficult time in Israel’s history. God’s people are taken captive to another land. Life is hard for many. They remember their old home city – Jerusalem, and what life was like there in freedom.

What does the leader Nehemiah do when he realizes his home city is in ruins?

Before we talk about Nehemiah let’s get our bodies moving.

1. Get active

Partner squats

Stand facing a partner. Hold each other's wrists and squat at the same time. Do three rounds of 10 squats. Start slowly and get your technique right. Then build speed.

2. Rest and talk

• When you are asked to do something hard: (1) how do you feel? (2) what do you do?

God’s people are captives in another land. A few have returned to Jerusalem but it’s now rundown and disorganized. Nehemiah hears the news of the destruction of the walls surrounding Jerusalem and responds with a heartfelt prayer to God.

3. Read the Bible passage

Read Nehemiah 1:1-4.

4. Discuss

• When Nehemiah was confronted by a difficult situation, what six things did he do?

Get paper and a pen. Draw six boxes and put a symbol for each action in a box. Label and number the boxes from 1 to 6. Roll dice to randomly choose one box. Talk about a time when you responded to something in this way.

Chat to God: Name which of the six responses comes naturally to each of you. Then which one is harder. Put your hand on this picture (there may be hands on more than one picture). Take turns to pray for each other. (Six responses: asked questions, listened, sat down, wept, fasted, prayed).

Tomorrow we’ll see what Nehemiah does to bring restoration to those around Him.